DSL ruling favors competition

Consumers will have more choice and pay less for DSL service after the FCC ruled that major local phone carriers must share their lines with competing Internet access providers, analysts said.

Until now, customers subscribing to DSL from competitors were required to buy an additional line from their local phone carrier at a cost of about $20.

FCC Chairman William Kennard said the decision is designed to get advanced services like high-speed digital subscriber line service "into the home as quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively as possible."

However, a spokeswoman representing regional telephone companies said the ruling will be a disincentive for investing in DSL and other advanced services.

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